Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-05-13

fear that the effect of this meeting would
be encouragement to socialism or dyna-
mtism. The people who were so devoted
to their religion as the Irish would never
be found as the authors of outrages. He
then paid glowing tribute to the efforts
that the Irish had made in the behalf of
liberty.
ADDRESS OF HON. JOHN E. FITZGERALD.
Gov. Ormsbee then introduced Hon.
John f.. Fitzgerald of Boston, who said:
1relands history may be summed up in
three words-war, starvation and exter-
mination. He reviewed the various govern.
ments the country has had. The Parnell-
ties are to-day fighting for the repeal of the
infamous act by which 81 years ago the
Irish people were robbed of their parlia-
mentary rights, and they appeal to the
whole world for sympathy. The speaker
then gave an abstract of the gradual en-
slavement of that country during these
81 years up to the present time and re-
ferred to Parnel in glowing terms. The
system of nd-holding and wrongs of
tenants were then touched upon. The
tenant digs and tolls in his little home
eating meat at Christmas and Easter, and
then at the within Of the owner being turn
ed out of his home, which was consider
ed of so little value that the torch was APP
piled to it. He voted as his landlord in
structed him. Thank God, Ireland is in
the 10Th century. The people of the world
are brought so much nearer together TO-
day by the modern instruments Of civiliza-
ton and we are all one people bowling to
public opinion. Ireland has been brought
into the court of civilization and will stay
| there till her case is justly decided.
Through the kindness of Mr.. Gladstone,
the bravest Englishman that ever lived,
| the lriShman has the ballot and has learn
ed that it is of more power than the bullet.
He has become great politician. Ireland
is divided into 1903 legislative districts, and
to be landlord is now disqualification
for election. Gladstone has been converted
to the side OF Ireland, and one half the
English people with one-third of the
Scotch have followed him, all in seven
years. The world and justice are on the
side of Ireland, and this coercion bill has
only strengthened that feeling. 1t is ask
ed what is this to America Mr. Glad
stone says that the opinion of the United
States has done more to help the Irish
cause than any other agency. Hence it is
right that we should interfere. 1t is a So
cial question with us when SO much of the
hard earned money of our factory opera
tives goes to pay the rent to the land
holders in Ireland. The love of liberty
which we should have for down-trodden
people should be reason enough for our
taking an interest in this question. This
fight will go on, peaceful if possible, until
the blessing of liberty is given to 5,0OO,-
600 people.
| CONGRESSMAN CIRCUITS REMARKS.
Gen. William w. Grout on being intro
duced said The strain of Irish blood in
my veins impelled me to be present to-
night and | am glad to be able to say a
word on this subject. This coercion bill
strikes at the right of trial by jury and
puts the power into the hands of two
magistrates, who are creatures of the min
istry, and who will do the work of those
who appointed them. An Englishman
thin it is all right to despoil an Irish
man of his property. Vermont cannot find
much fault with the people of Ireland in
their efforts to free themselves from their
oppressors. The great landed estates of
Ireland are her curse to day. Mr.. Grout
then gave some statistics showing among
other things that one third of Ireland is
owned by 292 people Let the Irish manage
| their local affairs. England has made
failure of managing them for her. Should
SO infamous an act as this pass the reac-
ton will surely follow, and the end of
this Irish question will surely follow.
MIR. M'GETTRICK's REMARKS.
Governor Ormsbee then introduced Mr..
+. w. McGettrick of st. Adams, who ex-
cused himself from making long speech
owing to the lateness of the hour He
made an eloquent speech, however, speak
ing of the prominence of many of the
Americans who are interested in the Irish
cause.
REMARKS OF REV. FATHER O'sULLIvAN
Rev. ID. j. O'Sullivan was next intro
duced He said it fell to his lot to express
the delight of the Irish residents at the
success of this meeting. If | were to wish
for the place of my birth | would say give
me Irish blood and let my birthplace be
Vermont. This State has tonight OBJ
tanned new claims to the cause of liberty
when the claims of that grand old land
across the sea have been so elouuently
presented The Irish are not socialists
they merely want the soil that is soaked
with the blood of their fathers, and they
protest against being driven from it. This
address was one of the most eloquent of
| the evening
CABLEGRAMs
The following cablegrams were sent:
Phelps, United States Minister, London
We citizens of Vermont in mass meeting as
sembled at burlington, the governor presid-
| ing, tender you our complim 4nts and say that
the heart of the people of Vermont is with
| Gladstone ard Parnell
HENRY. Mayor.
Gladstone and Pdrneu, London:
The citizens of Vermont in mass meeting as
sembled most cordially endorse your efforts
| for Ireland, and strongly protest against the
passage OF the coercion bill.
| +. j. ORMsBEE, Governor.
| THE RESOLUTIONS.
Prof. 7. G. O'Sullivan, chairman of the
committee, read the following resolutions
which were adopted
| Whereas, ireland, after having suffered for
| centuries, from the effects of an unjust and
cruel government. against which she has
striven and appealed in vain, is now engaged,
under the leadership of VIM. f. Gladstone and
Charles Stewart Parnell, in just and consti-
tlonal struggle for government by her peo-
pie and for her people, and
| Whereas, The English political party now in
power, acceding to the just demands of Ire
lapd for selt-gevernment, is about to impose
on that unhappy country coercion act tend
ing to further Cypress the people of Ireland,
to deprive them of their few remaining civil
and political rights. and to engender in their
midts spirit of hatred and rebellion, there
fore be it
ResOlU1d. That we, freemen of Vermont, in
mass meeting assembled, do hereby convey to
the people of Ireland our cordial sympathy
and fervent hopes of success in their efforts
| or